IPSR Published Works

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/1808/15276

This collection contains the publications of the faculty and staff of the Institute for Policy and Social Research.

Browse

Broadband in Kansas: The Challenges of Digital Access and Affordability
(Institute for Policy & Social Research, University of Kansas, 2023-03) Ginther, Donna K.; Halegoua, Germaine; Wedel, Xan; Becker, Thomas; Hurd, Genna; Goettlich, Walter
The Institute for Policy & Social Research (IPSR) at the University of Kansas received funding from the Economic Development Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CARES Act to study broadband access in the state of Kansas. To conduct this study, IPSR examined existing data, fielded our own survey of broadband speeds and access, conducted focus groups, and commissioned a chapter on the digital divide within the state of Kansas. The report discusses available data sources and introduces the speed test data collected by IPSR in order to map the broadband access landscape in Kansas. Along with speed tests, the Kansas broadband survey collected information regarding broadband access, adequacy, affordability and satisfaction. The survey data were enhanced by interviews and focus groups that allowed Kansans to share their struggles with internet access in their own words. The report also investigates digital equity using surveys and interviews conducted at public libraries that revealed the challenges faced by library patrons, including lack of digital access and literacy. The report that is summarized below indicates a rural-urban digital divide in terms of access, affordability, and satisfaction with broadband services. The data in this report indicate that up to 1,000,000 Kansans live in regions that lack access to highspeed broadband services, now considered to be 100 megabits per second (Mbps) download and 20 Mbps upload (100/20). Close to half of survey respondents (46%) report dissatisfaction with broadband services.
Economic Trends Report: Cheyenne River Counties
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2004-02) Middleton, Luke
The following report examines several key economic trends occurring in Cheyenne River over the last few decades. The report looks at variables categorized under the following areas: population, employment, earnings and income, and education. In this report, the geographical area of Cheyenne River is defined as Dewey and Ziebach counties, both located in South Dakota (see Map 1). Throughout, Cheyenne River’s trends are compared to the surrounding counties. These include Corson, Haakon, Hughes, Meade, Perkins, Potter, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth counties. It is recognized that data on the county level most frequently fails to capture the nuanced economic conditions of the reservation area in specific or of the American Indian population exclusively. Very little Census or other economic data of interest is clearly divided by Indian and non-Indian status, particularly on the county level, and so many of the indicators in this report reflect a subset of people that includes more than just Cheyenne River tribal members. These shortcomings aside, the direction of growth or lack of it on the county level, specifically in relation to the surrounding areas, can still serve as a reflection of the economic direction the tribe finds itself headed in.
Economic Trends Report: Linn County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-07) Middleton, Luke
The following report examines several key economic trends occurring in Linn County over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, and education. Throughout the report, Linn County’s performance is compared with the performance of the state of Kansas and selected comparative counties, both in Kansas and Missouri. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing the County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Bourbon County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2004-01) Middleton, Luke
The following report examines several key economic trends occurring in Bourbon County over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, and education. Throughout the report, Bourbon County’s performance is compared with the performance of the state of Kansas and these selected comparative counties: Allen, Crawford, Linn, and Neosho. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing the County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables
Montgomery County Non-Resident Worker Survey 2002
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-04) Hurd, Genna M.
The purpose of this study is to identify areas that enhance the attractiveness of Montgomery County as a place to live as well as work. In keeping with the purpose, the survey sought to determine why persons who work in Montgomery County choose not to live there. This research issue necessitated surveying non-resident workers and it was anticipated that the survey population would not necessarily be positive in their opinions about the county. So these results should not be generalized beyond the group surveyed in this study – namely, non-residents who work in Montgomery County. It is also important to note that the intent of this study is not to criticize Montgomery County, but to identify opportunities to enhance the quality of life so that more persons will choose to live in the county as well as work there. The survey asked questions about the respondents as well as what they think about Montgomery County – the county and its communities, local government, the schools, housing, taxes, and existing businesses and services.
Economic Trends Report: Cheyenne River Counties
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2004-02) Middleton, Luke
The following report examines several key economic trends occurring in Cheyenne River over the last few decades. The report looks at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, and education. In this report, the geographical area of Cheyenne River is defined as Dewey and Ziebach counties, both located in South Dakota (see Map 1). Throughout, Cheyenne River’s trends are compared to the surrounding counties. These include Corson, Haakon, Hughes, Meade, Perkins, Potter, Stanley, Sully, and Walworth counties. It is recognized that data on the county level most frequently fails to capture the nuanced economic conditions of the reservation area in specific or of the American Indian population exclusively. Very little Census or other economic data of interest is clearly divided by Indian and non-Indian status, particularly on the county level, and so many of the indicators in this report reflect a subset of people that includes more than just Cheyenne River tribal members. These shortcomings aside, the direction of growth or lack of it on the county level, specifically in relation to the surrounding areas, can still serve as a reflection of the economic direction the tribe finds itself headed in.
Economic Trends Report: Lawrence
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-02) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Lawrence over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population and housing, employment, income, taxes, and education. Throughout the report, Lawrence’s performance is compared with the performance of Baldwin, Eudora, Lecompton, and Douglas County overall, as well as the state of Kansas in some occasions. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Lawrence but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Standing Rock Counties
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-09) Middleton, Luke
The following report examines several key economic trends occurring in Standing Rock over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, and education. In this report, the geographical area of Standing Rock is defined as Sioux and Corson counties, the former located in North Dakota and the latter in South Dakota. Throughout, Standing Rock’s trends are compared to the surrounding counties, separated by state. The northern surrounding counties are Adams, Grant, Morton, Burleigh and Emmons, and in South Dakota the surrounding counties are Campbell, Walworth, Dewey, Ziebach, and Perkins. It is recognized that data on the county level most frequently fails to capture the nuanced economic conditions of the reservation area in specific or of the American Indian population exclusively. Furthermore, various externalities often make accurate or full reporting by the American Indian population problematic; for example, the perception that some answers to questions on the Census form could have potentially punitive consequences in terms of benefits or subsidized housing eligibility. These difficulties notwithstanding, there is a value in examining long term trends on the county level, and there is little choice in any case when it comes to data availability. Though reflecting political boundaries set by a different governing authority than that of the autonomous Sioux peoples, and encompassing the fortunes of more than those affiliated with the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, nevertheless the direction of growth or lack of it on the county level, specifically in relation to the surrounding areas, can still serve as a reflection of the economic direction the tribe finds itself headed in.
Economic Trends Report: Lecompton
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-01) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Lecompton over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population and housing, employment, income, taxes, and education. Throughout the report, Lecompton’s performance is compared with the performance of Baldwin, Eudora, Lawrence and Douglas County overall, as well as the state of Kansas in some occasions. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Lecompton but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
ECKAN Needs Assessment 2003 Survey of Clients
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-10) Hurd, Genna M.
The East Central Kansas Economic Opportunity Corporation (ECKAN) contracted with the Policy Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Kansas in 2003 to assist with a needs assessment survey of clients. The Survey Research Center (SRC) at PRI worked with ECKAN to develop the surveys administered to ECKAN’s clients in their service area. The ECKAN survey was mailed to all of the 1,628 ECKAN client households in eight Kansas counties (Anderson, Coffey, Douglas, Franklin, Johnson, Lyon, Miami, and Osage). After fourteen days, a second mailing was sent to a random sample of 300 client households that had not responded to the initial mailing. In addition, about two weeks following the second mailing, households not responding to the mail survey were selected at random and contacted via the telephone to complete the survey. The two mailings were performed during the month of July 2003 and phone calls were made to 1,044 non-respondents on August 21, 22, and 25 – 29, 2003. Of the 1,628 surveys mailed, the SRC received 381 responses, providing a mailing response rate of 23 percent. Of the 1,044 clients contacted by telephone 195 individuals agreed to complete the survey and 92 individuals refused, providing a telephone cooperation rate of 68%, and a telephone response rate of 19 percent. Thus, the total number of completed surveys was 576. As such, the total response rate from the survey is 36 percent. Given the number of completed surveys and question response distribution, the margin of error for the survey is ± 3.7 percent. The Kansas Center for Community Economic Development (KCCED) with PRI became involved in this process in September 2003 with the generation of tables for the Client surveys using SPSS. County-level tables for the Client Survey were also developed. The findings are divided along the same sections as the Client Survey: I) Housing, II) Employment, III) Other Services and IV) Family Profile. Sections I – III include an analysis of the provision of the services and the clients’ views on whether or not the service is needed. A breakdown of the clients’ responses by county is also reported. Tables for the county-level responses can be found in Appendix A. Therefore, following analysis provides an overview of the need for services and the services provided as well as differences among the counties served.
Economic Trends Report: Eudora
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-01) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Eudora over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population and housing, employment, income, taxes, and education. Throughout the report, Eudora’s performance is compared with the performance of Baldwin, Lecompton, Lawrence and Douglas County overall, as well as the state of Kansas in some occasions. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Eudora but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Update: Atchison County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2001-06) Middleton, Luke; Krider, Charles
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Atchison County over the last few decades. The Atchison County area is a community which has seen a slightly declining population in recent years, although the workforce has been growing. Specific data on those and other developments will hopefully prove valuable to Atchison County’s community leaders. This report looks at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, agriculture, and education. Throughout the report, Atchison County’s performance is compared with the performance of the State of Kansas and other Comparative Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Atchison County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Baldwin
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-01) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Baldwin over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population and housing, employment, income, taxes, and education. Throughout the report, Baldwin’s performance is compared with the performance of Eudora, Lecompton, Lawrence and Douglas County overall, as well as the state of Kansas in some occasions. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Baldwin but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Demographic Changes in Kansas: Implications for State Policy
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2001-06) Krider, Charles; Clifford, Norman
The purpose of this report is to identify the major demographic changes that are occurring in Kansas and to discuss several policy implications of these changes. The main focus will be on (1) the concentration of population growth in the state’s urban counties, (2) the aging of the population and (3) the rapid growth of the minorities, particularly Hispanics. Population growth in Kansas is below that of the U.S. as a whole and is entirely concentrated in the State’s nine urban counties. The urban counties are: Butler, Douglas, Harvey, Johnson, Leavenworth, Miami, Sedgwick, Shawnee, and Wyandotte. The remaining counties taken together are experiencing little population growth. Table 1 shows the population growth for Kansas and the United States. During the 1980’s Kansas population increased by 4.8% in contrast to an increase of 9.8% in the U.S. During the 1990s relative growth in Kansas was better with an 8.5% increase compared to 12.8% in the U.S. Nonetheless, Kansas continues to have population growth below that of the U.S. as is shown in the steadily decreasing population ratio in Table 1. In 1980 Kansas was 1.04% of the nation’s population; this ratio fell to 0.99 in 1980 and to 0.96 in 2000. The most significant population trend for Kansas is the rapid movement of population from rural to urban areas. In Table 1a we divide Kansas counties into three groups: the nine Large Metropolitan Counties (LMC), the eighteen Medium Counties.
Spring Hill Community Assessment: 2001 Survey Analysis
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2001-05) Hurd, Genna M.
The Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce contacted the Kansas Center for Community Economic Development (KCCED) at the University of Kansas in January 2001 for assistance with the Spring Hill Community Assessment. The KCCED receives federal funds to assist communities in Kansas with community and economic development efforts. Technical assistance was provided by KCCED with the survey instrument development and data entry as well as analysis of the results. The Survey Research Center (SRC) of the Policy Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Kansas served as a survey consultant in developing the community assessment of instrument. The Survey was then self-administered by the Spring Hill Chamber of Commerce, who mailed the survey to 750 residences in and around the community of Spring Hill, Kansas. Included in the survey was a self-addressed and stamped reply envelop, as well as a deadline to return the survey by April 16, 2001. No follow-ups or reminders were mailed to the residences that received the survey. As of May 1, 2001, 85 surveys had been returned and these were entered into the database by SRC. The 85 returned surveys represent a response or cooperation rated of 11.3 percent. Given the limited number of completed surveys and the likely response bias, the results reported here do not fall within the generally accepted rules of scientific methodology. However, the results do allow for a review of what the responding citizens thought were the positives and negatives of the Spring Hill community. The following survey results will first look at who the respondents were and then what they think about Spring Hill – the community, city government, the schools, and existing businesses and services.
Economic Trends Update: Douglas County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2003-01) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an annual update of the 1992 review of economic and demographic trends for Douglas County and the City of Lawrence, conducted by the Policy Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Kansas. This review was part of the strategic planning process for the county called Horizon 2020. The original 181-page report contained data on: global, regional and national trends, population, housing, education, employment, earnings and income, geographic location and infrastructure, business environment, financial capital, innovation and technology, and quality of life. The Lawrence-Douglas County area is a community with a growing population, high quality work force, and modern economic base enhanced by the presence of three universities. Its development in recent years has been shaped by two significant forces. First, with three universities, it is a major center for higher education: much of its development has been influenced by its large student population. Second, Douglas County is located between two metropolitan areas and has captured some of the spill-over benefits from this location. This year’s report includes an update of selected variables from the 1992 study. This report looks at variables categorized under the following areas: population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, and education. Throughout the report, Douglas County’s performance is compared with the performance of the State of Kansas, Comparative Counties and Surrounding Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Douglas County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Lyon County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2002-11) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Lyon County over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, agriculture, and education. Throughout the report, Lyon County’s performance is compared with the performance of the state of Kansas and other Comparative Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Lyon County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Miami County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2002-11) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Miami County over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population, employment, earnings and income, and education. Throughout the report, Miami County’s performance is compared with the performance of the state of Kansas and other Surrounding Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Miami County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Update: Reno County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2001-06) Middleton, Luke; Krider, Charles
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Reno County over the last few decades. The Hutchinson-Reno County area is a community which has seen a declining population and workforce in recent years. Specific data on those and other developments will prove valuable in efforts aimed at boosting Reno County’s growth. This report looks at variables categorized under the following areas: Population, employment, earnings and income, retail trade, agriculture, and education. Throughout the report, Reno County’s performance is compared with the performance of the State of Kansas and other Comparative Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Reno County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.
Economic Trends Report: Marshall County
(Policy Research Institute, University of Kansas, 2002-10) Middleton, Luke
The following report is an objective look at several key economic trends occurring in Marshall County over the last few decades. We look at variables categorized under the following areas: population, employment, and income and earnings. Throughout the report, Marshall County’s performance is compared with the performance of the state of Kansas and other Comparative Counties. It is by no means a comprehensive analysis of economic trends facing Marshall County but rather an overview of some key economic and demographic variables.